Sarsfields Newsletter

THE SASH Tuesday September 23rd 2008

The Weekly Online Newsletter of Sarsfields GAA Club.

Kildare Nationalist SFC Semi Final Draw:

Sarsfields V Moorefield

St. Laurence’s V Celbridge

Games to be played on the weekend of 5^th/6October

SFC: Sarsfields 1-14 Confey 1-11

Sarsfields have qualified for the Championship semi-final by virtue of a good second half performance of 10 to 15 minutes against Confey. Leading by five points in the 3^rd minute of injury time an attempted clearance went astray and Confey pounced for a late goal which probably should have been disallowed as the player appeared to be in the square.

            Pauric Brennan was superb on Saturday scoring nine points and will be a huge loss for the semi-final. Hopefully Pauric  will be able to return home for the game as Sarsfields chances of winning will be considerably lessoned in his absence. Others to perform well on Saturday were Alan Barry, Enda Freaney, Dermot Earley and goal scorer Conor Tiernan. Alan Smith is out of position in the corner, although he did score two excellent points. It was good to see the return of Conor Duffy who came on as a second half substitute. The full back line is a problem. It’s unfair to expect Niall Hedderman who’s not a fullback to be expected to perform consistently well there.

Best Wishes to Pauric on his peace keeping duties in the African country of Chad.

Leinster GAA News
 
No Football Changes Ahead – Brennan
by JP Lonergan,

 
GAA president Nickey Brennan has rubbished any idea that the football
championship system is set for a change in format.

There has been some criticism of the current structure this year,
amplified by the fact that Sunday’s final between Kerry and Tyrone was played out by two teams who came through the so-called ‘back door’
to reach the decider.

Indeed of the four semi-finalists, which also included Cork and Wexford,
only the Rebels were unbeaten up to that point, their exit at the hands
of the Kingdom seeing the final provincial champions ousted from the
competition.

But amid some calls for a second chance for provincial winners – as of
next season the only sides who will not get a second chance following
the scrapping of The Tommy Murphy Cup – Brennan has denied that there
will be any such change and highlighted that 2009 already sees a more
packed football schedule than 2007 and 2008.

‘I would have no concerns because we have been left with the two best
teams,’ Brennan was quoted as saying by The Irish Sun.

‘As of today, there is no-one looking at new Championship structures. It
is not on the agenda.

‘After eight years of the decade so far they are the top teams and the
result will underline that.’

Coaches Corner

Some of the Problems of Player Selection.

Player selection often can be a problem for coaches, whether it is selecting players for

one off tournaments, for an entire season, or, at a younger age, scouting talent for

potential development squads.

A good model for the selection process can be found by the acronym TIPS [Technique,

Insight, Personality, Speed]. By establishing TIPS as the criteria for selection process the

coach can plan activities that will allow the players to express themselves.

Technique. What is meant by technique? It is much more than the ability of a player to

pass, tackle or score; it also involves assessing a player’s motor skills. It involves

assessing a player in terms of how economical they are, how they function under pressure

as well as other criteria.

Insight. How able is a player to read the game and make correct decisions?

Personality. How well does the player interact with the group? One specific area of

personality is mentality. (See section on ‘Developing Concentration’).

Speed. In sports as fast paced as hurling and football, the speed of an individual player

can make a vital contribution to the game and outcome of the team. However, speed does

not just refer to a player’s speed on the ground – physically, the time it takes to move

from one point to another – but also refers to his/her speed of reaction. For a player to be

effective in the game and realize the potential of the plan it is necessary that he/she

exhibits physical speed coupled with a sharp reaction time.

There are a number of other factors that can affect the selection process.

How familiar or unfamiliar the coach is with the players can lead to problems and

difficulties. A coach who does not know the players is a coach who may be free of

partisanship and biases, but, who has to analyze the potential of individuals within a

limited timeframe. On the other hand, a coach who is very familiar with his players may

have biases and make presumptions of his players.

The time available for the selection process is important to consider also. Obviously, a

team selected over a longer period in which the coach, with the help of his aides,

observes the players, analyzes their potential, weighs up their strengths and weaknesses

and assesses what is required for the oncoming match will be more studied, more

considered and more thorough than a team hastily selected within half an hour on the

basis of a limited number of training sessions.

The plan of the coach can have an impact on the selection of the team. Obviously,

choosing the best players may have its undoubted benefits, but the coach must know what

he/she is looking for. The coach’s idea of what he/she is looking to achieve will

undoubtedly influence who is chosen for the panel.

On a very practical level the available facilities and resources are equally important. A

coach with minimal equipment will find it difficult to organize a training session for a

large number of players.

The coach can only select the team from the talent that is available. If small numbers

turn up to training then this will have an impact on the final chosen team.

It is important that TIPS is demonstrated in actual football/hurling situations. For

example, a player’s speed may be determined by a series of sprints yet it does not

indicate anything about the player’s speed of reaction. Similarly, various drills and

exercises may show a player’s technique, however to assess their skill level the player

must be playing hurling/football and solving real game problems. Small sided games are

important here and can often be a valuable tool in the selection process.

The Gaelic Football Goalkeeper Today

As the progressive world of Gaelic football evolves and grows, systems, tactics and philosophies

of training and coaching are constantly changing. As the games develops so too does the role of

the goalkeeper. The goalkeeper remains the one true specialist on the pitch.

The importance of thorough preparation cannot be overstated. Through research and practical

application, newer and more effective methods of goalkeeper training have been created over

recent years. Remember that knowledge and information do not equate to success. Intensive

specialised training, coupled with playing experience is needed to improve levels of performance.

Mastery of goalkeeping skills and understanding of the game will be achieved through dedicated

practice; working together, players and coaches reach these aims. Coaches can provide the

training environment that prepares goalkeepers for the physical and psychological challenges of

the competitive match. The goalkeeper brings the talent, which is nourished by the coach.

Remember that the goalkeepers primary function is to keep the ball out of the net. To meet the

challenges of this, perhaps the most difficult of all team positions, the goalkeeper needs to

demonstrate:

1. Mastery of the basic skills.

2. The mental sharpness required to produce the appropriate response in his/her decision

making and the emotional balance necessary for this demanding position.

3. The fitness necessary to consistently compete at the highest level throughout the season,

be it for club or county.

Mastery of skills

……The Techniques……

a. Handling

b. Shape

c. Mobility

d. Positioning

e. Fielding and Distribution.

Psychological Aspects

….The qualities….

a. Talent

b. Belief

c. Desire

d. Perseverance

e. Integrity

f. Composure

Physical Fitness

….The Motor Elements….

Just as an outfield players need football fitness, goalkeepers neeed goalkeeping fitness. Though

both types of fitness are based on the same five basic elements (Speed, Strengty, Endurance,

Cooridnation and Flexibility) the importance of the individual elements as part of this set is

different. There are also differences between field players and goalkeepers in the way in which

elements such as strength and speed are called upon and utilized. This is a consequence of the

different tasks and functions required of field players and goalkeepers. It is not the case that all

conditioning methods used for field players are equally suitable for goalkeepers – the content is

different.

Sarsfields Fixtures for the coming Week.

 There are three Sarsfields Championship fixtures this weekend. On Saturday 27^th at 9.30am the U16 B team will play Monasterevin in the Shield Final. Also on Saturday at 5pm Sarsfields U12A team plays Clane in the semi-final in St Conleth’s Park. On Sunday 28^th September Sarsfields Minors will play Na Fianna in the Semi Final at St. Conleth’s Park at 3.30 pm. Please come out and support the team. It was very disappointing to see such a poor level of support for the senior team last Saturday in the quarterfinal against Confey.

Message From Australia to Sash Ladies.

The following message was posted to the Guestbook on the Sarsfields website
G’Day,
Hi to everyone at Sarsfields, hope ye are still keeping up the good work. To the Ladies hope ye all keeping well and not missing me too much, playing a bit out here at the moment and am hoping to get selected for the state of Queensland. Can some of the ladies let me know how ye are doing, miss ye all lots and the craic.
Slan,
Jen

 More Stupid Quotes.

‘If you let that sort of thing go on, your bread and butter will be cut right out from under your feet.’
– Ernest Bevin, Former British foreign minister

‘Hey Diddy, you said anything goes, and I wasn’t going to let a little hurricane prevent me from wearing my bathing suit!’ said the ‘Desperate Housewives’ star.’
– Actress Eva Longoria at the MTV Video Music Awards

‘A billion here, a billion there, sooner or later it adds up to real money.’
– Everett Dirksen, Congressman

‘Our strength is that we don’t have any weaknesses. Our weakness is that we don’t have any real strengths.’
– Frank Broyles, College football coach

‘There is no housing shortage in Lincoln today – just a rumour that is put about by people who have nowhere to live.’
– G.L. Murfin, Mayor of Lincoln

‘Yes, maam?  Right here, this lady.  No, she!  Yes, right, second row.  Next to the guy in the blue shirt, holding her left hand up.  It’s a he?  Sorry about that.  Gotta be careful.  I’m very sorry.  Go ahead! I’m, excuse me, I’m very sorry. Go, ah, I, a thousand apologies, go ahead.’
– George Bush Sr., Former U.S. President, at a press conference

‘If it weren’t for electricity we’d all be watching television by candlelight.’
– George Gobel

‘I want to rush for 1,000 or 1,500 yards, whichever comes first.’
– George Rogers, NFL New Orleans Saint RB, when asked about the  upcoming season

‘I’ve read about foreign policy and studied — I know the number of continents.’
– George Wallace, 1968 presidential campaign

‘If you think is was an accident, applaud.’
– Geraldo Rivera, talk show host, to his audience on Natalie Wood’s drowning

‘This is unparalysed   in the state’s history.’
– Gib Lewis, Texas Speaker of the House

‘I cannot tell you how grateful I am — I am filled with humidity.’
– Gib Lewis, speaker of the Texas House

‘For most people, death comes at the end of their lives.’
– GLR broadcaster, England

‘Give Bill a second term, and Al Gore and I will be turned loose to do what we really want to do.’
– Hillary Clinton, former first lady, at a Democratic fundraiser

‘The war did not turn in Japan’s favor, and trends of the world are not advantageous to us.’
– Japan’s Emperor Hirohito, announcing his country’s surrender to America and its WWII allies, after two atom bombs had been dropped.

Strange News

Number Directed To Gay Chatline
 
People who have been trying to phone a bank helpline are being
connected to Britain’s ‘best place for men to meet men.’ The
Bank Of Halifax sent out 15,000 letters to the members of
its share-dealing service, and by mistake one of the numbers
was incorrect in the body of the letter.  This has resulted in
people calling a gay chatline.  The bank has since then sent an
apology letter to all of the members and have provided them
with the right number this time.

Woman Lives In Car For 26 Years

A London woman, Ann Naysmith, lived in her car for 26 years.
The woman, who was a former music teacher, decided to reside
in her car after she had been evicted from her flat in London.
She has been living in her Ford Consul since 1976.  Her car was
however removed by the local council as it was said it could be
a possible health hazard.  The neighbours, who became used to
the 60 year old lady, decided to buy her a red Mercedes in
replacement of the Ford Consul.’  ‘It seemed a straightforward
and sensible solutions,’ said the owner of the Mercedes, Sian
Lines.  The owner of the Mercedes also added that it was
sensible since the lady had threatened to set herself on fire in
protest.

Killer Posts Personal Ad For Online Friend

A convicted killer in America who used hammers to kill two ex-girlfriends,
has started posting ads on the Internet in search of cyber
friends.  The ad reads, ‘Hi, I’m Bill. I’m compassionate, 6′ 2’
200 lbs. athletic guy who enjoys Mediterranean food, the poetry
of Keats and Kavafy, and baroque music.’  The ad also included a
picture of the convict apparently smiling.

 Humour

Bush Country

A man walked into a cowboy bar and ordered a beer just as President Bush appeared on the television. After a few sips, he looked up at the television and mumbled, ‘Now, there’s the biggest horse’s ass I’ve ever seen.’

A customer at the end of the bar quickly stood up, walked over to

him, and decked him.

A few minutes later, as the man was finishing his beer, Mrs. Bush

appeared on the television. ‘She’s a horse’s ass too,’ the man said.


This time, a customer at the other end of the bar quickly stood up,

walked over to him, and knocked him off his stool.


‘Damn it!’ the man said, climbing back up to the bar. ‘This must be

Bush country!’

‘Nope,’ the bartender replied. ‘Horse country!’

Vicars Ride Again

A narrow escape
The Reverend Douglas Johnston was not the best of drivers.  One Sunday he was driving home from church when unfortunately, he had a minor bump with cyclist.  The poor man was knocked off his bike into the ditch. The Vicar naturally stopped his car, got out and profusely apologised and gave the cyclist his calling card saying that if he could ever be of help, then the man should not hesitate to ask.

As the man rode home he looked at the card which said, ‘The Reverend Douglas Johnston is sorry he missed you today.’

Adam revealed
Four-year-old Robert opened the big bible, which had been in his family for years. Absolutely fascinated, he flicked through the old pages. Suddenly, something fell out of the bible. Robert picked up the object and looked at it. What he saw was an old dry leaf that had been pressed in between the pages.

‘Mum, look what I’ve found’, the boy called out.’ What have you got there, dear?’
With astonishment in the young boy’s voice, he answered, ‘I think I’ve found Adam’s underwear!’

Same Class?

While waiting for his first appointment in the reception room of a new dentist, a man noticed his certificate hanging on the wall; it gave his full name. Thinking hard, he remembered that a tall, handsome boy with the same name had been in his secondary  school class some 36 years ago.

Upon seeing him, however, the man quickly discarded any such thought. This balding, grey-haired man with the deeply lined face was way too old to have been his classmate. 

After the dentist had examined the man’s teeth, the patient asked the dentist if he had attended the local secondary school. ‘Yes,’ he replied.
‘When did you graduate?’ the patient asked
The dentist answered, ‘In 1971. Why?’

‘You were in my class!’ the patient exclaimed!
The dentist looked at his patient closely, and then said, ‘ I’m not sure. What did you teach?’

Unexpected Arrival.

A man and a woman were having dinner in a fine restaurant. Their waitress, taking another order at a table a few paces away noticed that the man was slowly sliding down his chair and under the table, with the woman acting unconcerned.

The waitress watched as the man slid all the way down his chair and out of sight under the table. Still, the woman dining across from him appeared calm and unruffled, apparently unaware that her dining companion had disappeared.

After the waitress finished taking the order, she came over to the table and said to the woman, ‘Pardon me, ma’ am, but I think your husband just slid under the table.’

<, FONT face='Times New Roman'>The woman calmly looked up at her and replied firmly, ‘No he didn’t . He just walked in the door.’

Answers to last weeks  Brain Teasers

Two boxers are in a boxing match (regular boxing, not kick 
boxing). The fight is scheduled for 12 rounds but ends after 6 
rounds, after one boxer knocks out the other boxer. Yet no man 
throws a punch. How is this possible?

Answer : Both boxers were women

I am eight letters long – ‘12345678’ 
My 1234 is an atmospheric condition. 
My 34567 supports a plant. 
My 4567 is to appropriate. 
My 45 is a friendly thank-you. 
My 678 is a name. 

Q: What word am I? 

Answer:  MISTAKEN

With thieves I consort, With the vilest, in short, I’m quite at my 
ease in depravity; Yet all diviners use me, And savants can’t lose 
me, For I am the centre of gravity. Who or what am I??? 

Answer: The letter ‘V’.

Here are this weeks Brain Teasers

Two mothers and two daughters were fishing. They managed to catch 
one big fish, one small fish, and one fat fish. Since only three 
fish were caught, how is it possible that they each took home a fish? 

If you were to put a coin into an empty bottle and then insert a 
cork into the neck, how could you remove the coin without taking 
out the cork or breaking the bottle?

What is at the beginning of eternity, the end of time, the 
beginning of every end, and the end of every place?

Answers next week. You can e-mail your answers to the address below and those with the correct answer(s) will have their names published so everyone can see how brainy they are.

Contributors Required

If anyone would like to contribute to this Newsletter please send info to tonyr06@eircom.net. Articles, news, anecdotes etc would be very welcome. If you know anyone who would like to be added to the e-mail mailing list for the Newsletter then please ask them to forward their e-mail addresses to the above or alternatively you can now subscribe to the Newsletter directly from Sarsfields website.